I wish I believed that, and as he reaches over to stroke my nipple, it makes me forget everything.We’re at the next home game and sitting in the usual seats, waiting for the game to start. It’s been a few days since our talk and Miles wants to plan a family dinner. I’m nervous just thinking about it and get lost in thought as Lola goes to Brynn for some snacks.“Delilah?”I blink and come crashing back to earth, gazing at Miles’s sister.“Yeah?”“Were you sleeping in my brother’s room? Lola just told me she saw you there.”Shit. Lola caught me in there when Miles got up with her and she got through the door before he could close it. It wasn’t the first time she had seen me near his room, and I knew I was being careless.What can I say? I’m busted, aren’t I?“I’ve thought you seemed different lately. If you and Miles are seeing each other, I get it. He needs a woman that’s more like you with Lola and everything going on in his life. Just so you know, she’s talking a lot and better tha
THE CAT IS OUT OF THE BAGMILESI glance over when I’m taking a break to see that Delilah is gone, along with my mom. Worry instantly fills me and I remind myself I’m in the middle of a game. If something were wrong, they’d let me know.I have been worried since I found out about the baby. Delilah is healthy and handles everything well, but she stays so busy with Lola. What if she’s not getting enough rest?Lola is still there, sitting with Brynn, and they’re both smiling. Soon, there will be another child and I love the idea.“Back out there, Adams. We need another goal.”I snap back to reality and take to the ice when I’m clear, going to the face-off. This game is taking a lot out of me, but I keep moving, trying to make opportunities happen for us.I keep looking over to see the two women absent from the seats. Where are they?We win by a one goal lead and I skate to the bench, feeling drained. Everyone else is celebrating around me and I sink down to the bench, gulping water.“Gre
“She’s my baby sister, Miles. What if it were me with Brynn?”“Delilah is twenty-four, Andrew. She’s a college graduate. This couldn’t happen with anyone better than me because I’ll give all of them the world. You’ve seen it with Lola.”“I’m going to check on her.”“Tone it down in there, Andrew. My granddaughter is in the house.”My dad speaks in a rare firm tone and Andrew and I look at him before my friend rushes inside.“She’s pregnant?”“Yeah, Dad. We were going to tell you soon, but hey. Surprise.”“Do you love her?”“I do. She’s so great with Lola and with me. I can’t imagine life without Delilah in it.”“I agree with that. You have a mess to deal with in there.”“Tell me about it. This wasn’t the plan.”We walk into the house and find a scene happening in front of us. Delilah is crying as Andrew sits close to her and my mom watches as if she’s about to interrupt at any time. Lola is nowhere in sight, and I assume Brynn has her somewhere else in the house.“This is what you wan
“She’s sleeping on the couch.”Brynn sits down on the love seat and looks at us.“You want to be there?”Delilah looks around the room.“If you’re comfortable. It’s not that invasive, honey. Just your stomach.”Mom smiles and I shoot her a grateful look.“Yeah. Sure. I mean, we still have to tell my parents if Andrew doesn’t blab and Mom might want to go. If there’s room, I want you there.”We talk for a while about our plans, and I can tell Delilah is exhausted.“Since Lola is already asleep, just leave her here. Get this mama home for some rest.”Mom smiles at me, and I realize they know everything. As uncomfortable as it was, this feeling is worth it.I walk to the car with Delilah, and she gets into the seat, leaning back.“What a fucking day. Brynn asked about the day Lola found me in your bed and then your mom guessed I was pregnant. She was kind enough to do it at the house, so there’s that.”I chuckle and shake my head.“Do you think Andrew will come around?”I know Delilah is
MY HAPPILY EVER AFTERDELILAHI close the door to the room that used to be mine after cleaning out my things that are now in Miles’s room. His closet is massive, so there’s plenty of room, especially since I’m not a shopaholic. That goes double for the bathroom, and I realize what it’s all about being with an NHL player.Miles is in the living room with Lola as I walk in, and he grins at me.“Ready for today? You should drink some more water.”“I hate water.”I take the bottle from him and sip it, knowing I need it for the ultrasound in an hour. We decide to bring Lola and everyone else is meeting us there; I’ve already demanded lunch when we finish.“Did you find out Lola was a girl before she was born?‘I look at Miles as he glances in the rearview mirror.“We did. It was a great moment, but this will be, too. I’m with the woman I love. Lola being here is going to be so special.”“You’re sweet.”I lean back as we make the drive, rubbing my belly. There’s a bump there now, and I’ve s
EPILOGUEFOUR MONTHS LATERNew LifeDelilahI am watching my husband play in the second round of the playoffs, but unfortunately, I am not in the seats at the arena. Lola is there with his family decked out in everything, but I am curled up on the couch, nursing my son. Mom is here to keep me company and Bobby Warren Adams is settled happily on my chest as I smile down at him.It was a long birth, and he wore me out, but holding him for the first time was magical. Miles cried along with the moms and aunts, and I just stared at him in disbelief. He was a beautiful baby at nine pounds and now at two months old, he has Miles’s eyes and my dark waves from what I can tell. Bobby looks a lot like his sister, and we all love that so much.Lola is an amazing big sister and wants to help with everything, but we keep that to an age-appropriate level. Her brother differs from her baby dolls, and she’ll need to learn how to handle him. I still feel like I haven’t slept some days, but Bobby is get
What was supposed to be a revenge rebound from a cheating ex, turns into a reckless one night stand with a hot and mysterious stranger that ends in humiliation.He’s Liam Denver: the ex-Navy Seal turned billionaire art dealer. The notorious blue eyed playboy is walking mischief, and everything that I've NEVERwanted..Yet fate has a twisted sense of humor, intertwining our destinies when six months later, my brother helps secure a job for me at his best friend’s art gallery. I was not prepared to walk into the big office and see my one night stand in the boss’s chair.I despise the arrogant, dominant alpha, but proximity breeds a dangerous temptation.After a business trip on his private jet to Paris, our sparks ignite. The fiery exchanges turn into longing glances, heated kisses, and more turbulence than a 747.I'm in over my head. But when I discover that I'm pregnant, my world turns upside down and Liam gets cold feet. Amidst accusations and family turmoil, a tragic accident becomes
LilyI can still see the image of them as clear as day in my mind, as I wiggle my way out of my underwear. Just a little over twenty four hours ago, I caught my boyfriend–or now, ex-boyfriend —with my friend Jessica making out against his kitchen countertop, right after he had promised me that I had no reason to be worried about their “friendship”. I should have trusted my instincts and not him.The pain is still fresh. The hurt is still palpable. Every time I think of it, I want to cry out. But the only way I can make myself feel better is by getting back at him...“Fuck you look so beautiful.” His best friend, Luke, tells me as he kisses my cheek, and then moves onto my jawline, leaving me flushed and breathless. A smile tugs at my lips as my eyes catch sight of the camera I have hidden in the bookshelf at the other end of the room. I’m not gonna spend anymore time sulking, I’m gonna make him pay for hurting me and I’m gonna have fun doing it.My heart sinks momentarily at the thoug
“The night I caught you making out with my ex-boyfriend at his apartment. Do you regret it?” I repeat, staring at Jess as though daring her to deny it. The room falls silent, save for Christie's soft giggles which I ignore. There is a slight shift in the atmosphere. I notice that Tanya and Annabelle tense up.“I do. I swear I do.” She mumbles, her face morphing into her best genuine expression. If I wasn’t so pissed at her and everyone else, I might actually believe her. But I know better than to trust anyone right now. Especially her. And especially when she’s got a fake look plastered all over her beautiful face.“But you two still had sex after that night. Didn’t you?”There is an awkward moment where everyone just stares at each other until Christie finally breaks it. “Lily—”“Christie please. Don’t butt in.” I cut her off, shaking my head in disbelief.“You’ve had your question. She’s not obliged to answer you anymore.” Annabelle states, her voice laced with annoyance.My eyes st
LilyI never liked sleepovers. Why would any grown adult be excited about the prospect of being sandwiched in the same apartment with four other ladies, three of whom you’ve not seen in quite a long while, and you’ve always had a strained relationship with?Well apparently, Christie doesn’t share any of my concerns. She’s sitting on her bed in only her pajama pants, with a huge grin that says she’s got all the fun to herself. Back in the university days, there were five of us: Myself, Christie, Tanya, Annabelle and Jessica. We were as tight as a little sisterhood could be. But slowly as with all good relationships, time wore it away and we drifted apart with me and Christie sticking together, and the rest of the crew drifting off into one direction or another.It didn’t help that I never did like Jessica or the rest of the girls besides Christie, but I did manage to fake it pretty well until we graduated. I had always felt Jessica was more loyal to her hormones than our friendship and
LilyThe road to the CEO’s office is a long one, not least because my mind keeps playing with different ways and reasons why I won’t get the job:“You’re late Ms. Sanders. I’m afraid you don’t fit our requirements for this job.”... “You’re unqualified Ms. Sanders, your CV lacks experience for the role.”... “You’re wrongly dressed Ms. Sanders, you’re not applying for the role of a pole dancer in a clubhouse.”Shit! My eyes dart down towards my chest. Sure enough I can see the pink tinge of my bra through my black camisole. With a heavy sigh, I pull up the hem of my shirt to cover it and put on my best expression of a ‘I’m the best candidate for this job’ face. A few more languid steps, heavy breaths and a slight stumble on the last step later and I’m right in front of his office.I dither for a minute with my hand on the door handle. The thought of entering the office makes me want to gag. A couple of ‘what if’s’ play through my head that end with my mom’s derisive laughter echoing aro
LiamToday has to be the most gloomy day ever. The skies are gray as can be, and the temperature is so cold it’s like being at a funeral for all but the dead. It’s miserable. My art gallery is almost empty and devoid of life save for myself and a few staff.The art gallery, typically an inspiring haven, feels unusually stifling today. Its pristine white walls, adorned with masterpieces, are flanked by grand crystal chandeliers overhead, casting a faint, almost ghostly light. Even the marble floor looks dreary, despite the polished shine that coats its surface.My fingers absentmindedly graze the deep blue upholstery of the couch, a stark contrast to the gallery's opulence. The usual buzz of art enthusiasts has vanished, replaced by an eerie silence that only adds to the gloomy atmosphere that’s enveloped the gallery like a cloak.The artwork on the walls, once vibrant and evocative, now appears lifeless. The chandeliers, once resplendent, emit a subdued radiance, mirroring my melancho
Dean shakes his head sadly. “It’s okay.” He says softly, before picking up his cutlery. “Let’s eat shall we?”Mom scoffs and rolls her eyes, but she also picks up her own fork. “Of course. You two haven’t touched your meal. It’s getting cold!”We start eating, the silence tense, but it’s short lived. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, my mom breaks it. She clears her throat, her voice a tad shaky. “So what does Christie do?”“She owns a boutique. Unlike some of us, she doesn’t have the luxury of a trust fund so she can’t sleep around and waste her time on random men.” I respond, offering her my best impression of a warm smile. I can tell I hit a nerve with that one. I can see Dean looking at me from the corner of his eye. He slides a hand over mine, rubbing circles at the back of my palm and I give him a reassuring smile in response.“Wow. Impressive. Good to know that she’s doing well. Unlike some people.”Her tone is almost mocking, and my gut clenches uncomfortably. I ca
LilyMy elder brother is home for the first time in over six months. That means I’m being forced to join in at a family dinner, where I’m dead certain my mom will act like she’s been the perfect mother, and our mother-daughter relationship is the greatest thing on earth.As I step into the dining room, the aroma of freshly cooked pasta fills the air. The table is elegantly set with fine china and polished silverware. Candles flicker, casting a soft glow over the room, creating an atmosphere that should be warm and inviting.However, there is an underlying tension that lingers, like an unwelcome guest at this family dinner. No one else seems to feel it though, aside from the ‘black sheep’ of the family. On days like this I wish my dad was here, sometimes I wish it was my mom who passed away all those years ago and not him, but my wishing has changed nothing, and it never will, so I’m just learning to live with it, as terrible as it gets at times.My mother sits at the head of the table
Liam“Thank you so much.”That must be the one millionth time I’ve used that phrase tonight. I’ve shook so many hands and forced so many smiles, that the muscles on my cheeks and arms are starting to hurt but damn I love parties. I mean who doesn't? It’s the grand opening of my art gallery. Soft, classical music flows from speakers in the corner and the room is bathed in warm, flickering light.The room is packed full of guests, dressed to the nines in designer clothes and jewelry with greetings, congratulations and handshakes flying in my direction as I move between the crowd. My eyes settle on one of the more prominent guests standing in a group off to the side. I stop dead in my tracks and smile. She's stunning. Long hair, deep blue dress and flawless makeup, but even without makeup her beauty rivals that of some of the most beautiful women I've ever seen in person. My grin only widens when she notices me looking at her and offers an inviting, if slightly awkward wave. I make my wa
LiamSIX MONTHS LATER…..Apparently, getting a cup of coffee and something to eat in New York city is now a herculean task. Bake Shark, my favorite food truck/semi restaurant, has always been a beehive of activity with long waiting times. Thirty minutes in and I’m only just reaching the front of the line. I heave a sigh of relief as I finally get to the front of the queue. The attendant pokes her head out of the drive through.“Welcome to Bake Shark, sir. May I take your order?”“The regular, Betty.” I respond, giving her a curt nod. Usually, we’d exchange pleasantries and catch up on everything and anything, but with the long line of hungry people behind me, and the amount of time I’ve pretty much wasted waiting means I can’t afford to. Betty, a sweet redhead with dark brown eyes, a pretty face and a killer body to match—looks disappointed by my lack of conversation as she scribbles down on her pad. She nods anyway before heading back inside.One good thing about my time in the Navy
His tongue swipes over my nipple again, causing goosebumps to run across my arms and legs. My nails dig into the sheets beneath me as he continues to lick and suck my breasts, his slow pace driving me wild with ecstasy. I whimper softly, unable to contain the pleasurable sensations coursing through me. I want to touch him so bad, and I do. Fumbling with the buttons on his shirt, I pull it apart and push my hands underneath the cotton to caress his strong, lean chest. My fingers continue to explore every arch, every dip and curve. The warmth of his body ignites me and I gasp when his hands cup my butt.He pushes me deeper into the mattress gently, settling on top of me and hovering above me. He smirks as he sees the flush coloring my cheeks. Our gazes meet again and the hungry heat within him fills the air around us. His fingertips inch their way up my thighs and I almost sob at the feeling.“How can I please you?” I whisper, wanting nothing more but to make him feel as good as I feel.